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Hbomas ifrancis (3rabi2 



state Senator 



IfebruarB 5, 1912 



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Tin flDcmoriam 



Ubomas ifrancis 6ra6^ 



JSorn inovcmbet 29, 1853 
B>ic& jfcbruari3 3, 1912 



Senator 

1882^1883, \889A890, 1896*1912 

H00embli?man 

1877*1879 



Committee of the Senate 

IRobett f. Magnet 

Barnes 5. JTtawlcp 

Ufmotb^ ®. SttlUvan 

JBt>Qat U. Brachett 

tyavvcv H). Ibtnman 



Senator ttbomas jFtands <5ta6i2 




IHOMAS FRANCIS GRADY was bom 
in New York City, in the old fourth 
ward, on November 29, 1853. He died 
in New York on February 3, 1912. 

Senator Grady in his earhest years showed signs 
of future ambition by his great interest in pohtical 
matters. While other children of his age were 
playing, he could be found in the midst of a group 
of men listening to their discussions on the politics 
of the day. 

He was educated at St. James Parochial School 
and De La Salle Institute. He received the degree 
of A. M., causa honoris, from Manhattan College. 
Leaving De La Salle Institute when he was but 
fourteen years old, he began work as copyholder 
for D. Appleton & Company. After remaining 
there a short time, he went to the office of Stone, 
Nichols & Stone, stock brokers, and left there 
when an opportunity was offisred him to begin 
the study of law with the firm of Middlebrook 
& Phillips. In 1876 William C. Whitney, then 
corporation counsel, put him in charge of collect- 
ing evidence relative to frauds against the city. 
He refused a cadetship to West Point in 1877, 
and pursued his law studies, being graduated from 

11 



in flDcmoriam 

the law department of New York University. In 
the fall of the same year, he was elected member 
of Assembly from the second Assembly district. He 
was reelected until 1881, when he went to the 
State Senate. A respite of six years from sena- 
torial service came through the intervention of 
Grover Cleveland, then Governor of the State. In 
a letter written to John Kelly in October, 1883, 
Mr. Cleveland said : "I am anxious that Mr. 
Grady should not be returned to the Senate. I 
do not wish to conceal the fact that my personal 
comfort and satisfaction are involved in the matter." 
Senator Grady kept that letter in his archives, 
although he did not go back to the Senate in 1884. 
The Senator, in speaking of this letter, said : " It 
was I, myself, who told John Kelly that I would 
not return to Albany as a State Senator while 
Mr. Cleveland was Governor. Mr. Cleveland's let- 
ter had no effect whatever on Mr. Kelly. It was 
my positive declination of a renomination, my own 
statement to Mr. Kelly that I would not return, 
that retired me from the Senate at that time." 
In the presidential campaign of 1884, Mr. Grady 
took the stump for General Butler, independent 
candidate for President, and toured the country 
against Mr. Cleveland. During the last years of 
President Cleveland's life the two men were 
friends. In 1889 Mr. Grady returned to the Sen- 
ate, and from 1891 to 1895 he held the office of 

12 



ZTbomas jfrande (Brabi? 

police justice, being appointed by Mayor Grant. 
In 1896 he was again elected to the Senate, and 
served continuously to the time of his death. 

Senator Grady was a past grand worthy presi- 
dent of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and also 
a past president of Aerie No. 40 of that order. 

Senator Grady was scholarly in his tastes and 
in his speech. He read widely in history, litera- 
ture and the classics. In his vast library were to 
be found numerous volumes of worth in history, art 
and research. He was, up to the time of his death, a 
member of the Bibliophile Society of Boston, always 
showing deep interest in its progress and advance- 
ment. The debates between Senators Grady and 
Brackett, his Republican friend and adversary, 
abounded in classical allusions and Latin phrases, 
and always attracted interest. Senator Grady was 
a hard worker. Few senators were more attentive 
to their duties than he. He was as tireless in his 
committee work as in the debates, and many a 
measure now on the statute books was improved 
by his careful attention to details in drafting it. 
He was a lawyer of no mean ability and was 
admittedly a most capable parliamentarian. There 
were few men at the Capitol who could so soon 
see jokers in a measure, or point out inconsistencies 
or errors as he. His long service in the Senate, 
his wide experience and excellent memory, made 
him a most valuable member of the Senate in 

13 



Hn nDemoriam 

blocking careless or duplicate legislation, and par- 
ticularly well equipped him to unravel intricate 
parliamentary tangles. Many times both sides, 
when there was no partisan question at issue, 
deferred to his explanation or suggestion, as to the 
proper mode of procedure. Members of both 
parties sought his advice in framing bills. They 
always found him helpful and sympathetic and these 
qualities endeared him personally to his colleagues. 
He was a man of splendid mental equipment, a 
fighter for what he wanted, an orator with powers 
of sarcasm and invective few sought to test. For 
all his sharp wit, biting sarcasm and grim humor, 
he was a stickler for punctilious point of honor. 
What should be particularly recorded is, that amid 
all sorts of temptations he manifested his standing 
as an unapproachable legislator. 

Senator Grady was a man of intellect and 
gracious personality which attracted and retained 
friendship. He was one of the few survivors of a 
class of New York men who stood by themselves 
— men who liked to be with their friends when 
they were right, and never failed to stand by them 
when wrong. 

He was the State Senator longest in service 
in either party, yet he had not quite reached his 
sixtieth year. Not only had he been a State Sen- 
ator, but he had also been a member of the 
Assembly for three years, and a police justice for 

14 



Zthomas f rancta (5ra^^ 

six years. To these nine years, add the twenty-two 
he was a member of the Senate, and thirty-one 
out of his fifty-nine years of Hfe must be credited 
to pubUc service, which fact reveals that as child 
and man he spent only twenty-eight years in 
private life from the cradle to the grave. 

As a tribute to his public service, the Senate 
and Assembly attended his funeral in a body, an 
honor never before given to any member in either 
house of the Legislature. 

Genius, sophist, orator, actor and man; cap- 
able of any sacrifice for a friend; of taking any 
trouble for an acquaintance, what wonder that 
those who differed from him on public questions 
were among his most sincere mourners. Brilliant 
as a statesman, unsurpassed in eloquence, invin- 
cible in debate, wise in his counsel, with nature 
as gentle as a child, he was a potent factor in the 
success and upbuilding of the community and the 
State. Loyal to his country, devoted to his party, 
faithful to his friends and magnanimous to his 
opponents, the death of Senator Grady will be 
long mourned. 

His sympathies were ever with the poor, the 
helpless and the unfortunate, and this fact alone 
constitutes an enduring monument to his memory. 



15 



proceebings of tbe 
Xegislature 




Hn tbe Senate 

3Pcbruari5 5, 1912 

lENATOR ROBERT F. WAGNER, 

presiding 

Senator Grady has passed to the 
undiscovered world beyond, to be with us no more. 
During his hfe he was severely, and many ^imes 
unjustly, criticised for his sense of party loyalty. 

The greatest test of a man's quality, and the 
only test, is personal contact, and I venture to say 
there is not one who knew him or who served with 
him who is not willing to testify at once and unhesi- 
tatingly to his sincerity of purpose in all matters; 
to his integrity and to the unparalleled and remark- 
able contribution he made through his ability 
toward the solution of governmental problems. 

Senator Edgar T. Brackett 

I do not propose at this time to enter into 
any extended eulogy of the Senator late from the 
fourteenth. For myself, 1 feel too sore at heart to 
attempt any such thing. There is no member of 
this Senate who tonight is not poorer than when 
we last met here together by reason of his death. 
If in the dream of Abou-ben-Adhem, "His name 
leads all the rest, who loved his fellow man," 
the name of Thomas Francis Grady stands at the 

19 



In flDcmorlam 

head of the page. Coming here sixteen years ago, 
I had no acquaintance with Senator Grady, except 
such as came through reading the newspapers. I 
had expected to find a man without poHsh; a man 
rough of method, regardless of ways, regardless of 
the feelings of his fellows. You may judge of the 
delight with which I found that instead of any such 
thing as had been pictured in the papers, I found 
a most courteous, polished gentleman who was ever 
anxious to do a favor to a colleague, to do a favor 
to mankind. If there was any dominating feature 
in Senator Grady's character, it was a persistent and 
determined wish to help his fellow men; and if 
added to it there was an element of an attempt to 
oppress any one, it aroused him to his best energy ; 
it aroused him at times to a fury. 

Senator Timothy D. Sullivan 

I knew the late Senator since I was a very 
small boy. We were born and raised in the same 
Assembly district. He was first elected away back 
in 1876. I came ten years afterward, from the 
same district, in 1886. 

I have read some editorials in the last few 
days which have spoken of the great things he 
could have done. I have known him all my life 
and I would testify today that during his whole 
life he never injured a human being; and from 
early manhood until his death he helped every 

20 



human being he could help. What person could 
do more ? 

1 offer the following joint resolution: 

The Legislature has learned with inexpressible 
regret and profound sorrow of the death of one of 
its best loved members. Honorable Thomas F. 
Grady. In point of service the oldest member of 
the Legislature, he has for many years enjoyed a 
most distinguished place in its deliberations and by 
his preeminent abilities and kindly traits of character 
had won and held the affectionate esteem of his 
fellow members. 

Resolved, If the Assembly concur, that in tes- 
timony of our deep and sincere affection for our 
late colleague and as a tribute to his personal 
worth and public service, the Senate and Assembly 
attend his funeral in a body. 

Resolved, That a committee of five Senators 
be appointed by the president of the Senate to 
prepare resolutions and arrange for a suitable memo- 
rial of the Senate in memory of the lamented 
Senator. 

By order of the Senate. 

Patrick E. McCabe, Clerk. 



21 



Ifn the assembly 

^ebruacis 5, 1912 



FRANK L. YOUNG 

-ir J Lx|/jr/| Mr. Speaker, in moving concurrence 
;^ ^J^,j ^ with this resolution I want to say that 
I have been very deeply impressed by the eulogies 
of the man loved by us all. There ought to be a 
tonic in what we have heard here tonight, for those 
of us who have wabbling convictions and nervous 
and timid hearts. Senator Grady's convictions 
were clear. And while many times, as has been 
said here, some of us did not agree with those 
convictions, no one was ever at a loss to know 
what he thought, and if it was necessary to place 
matters in a position where sharp criticism and 
censure were made, for his views there was no 
hesitation. It is a reminder to us that, after all, 
manhood is admired, that there is nothing in this 
world so highly and deeply appreciated as a big, 
strong, courageous heart. I am pleased to move 
concurrence in this resolution. 

Mr. Daniel D. Frisbie 

Mr. Speaker, in rising to second the joint 
resolution, I have not in mind at this time the 
delivery of a eulogy. I think it entirely proper 
that this body should take more than passing note 
of the resolution that is before us, from the fact 

23 



In flDemortam 

that the late Senator Grady was for at least three 
years a member of this body. Here he made the 
foundations of his splendid service to the State of 
New York, as a legislator. Senator Grady never 
quite lost his sympathy and affection for the 
Assembly and its members. I speak personally 
when I say that he always manifested a friendly 
and brotherly interest in his fellow legislators in 
this house, and his generous treatment of legisla- 
tion coming from the Assembly to the Senate was 
not confined to the legislation which originated 
among the members of his own party. For sev- 
eral years we were party leaders of the two houses, 
and during these years my relations with him were 
close, confidential and personal. I felt honored to 
enjoy his confidence, because Senator Grady was a 
man who could see below the surface. He hated 
the sham; he loved the sincerity that lies in men's 
hearts. He was a sincere man himself We 
might disagree with him on a given question, but 
his sincerity must be conceded. He was a loyal 
soldier, and aside from his brilliant personal quali- 
fications and the splendid personal reputation which 
he made as an orator, as a thinker, and as a 
logical expounder upon the floor of the House 
and the Senate, he added that other admirable 
quality, loyalty to his party and its principles 
and its leaders. Not always did the judgment 
of the leaders of his party perhaps coincide with 

24 



Zlbomae jfrancte (5ra^? 

his own personal view, but as the loyal and 
faithful soldier follows his general into the thick 
of the fight, so Senator Grady always championed 
the interests and followed his leader into the 
thickest of a political contest. Senator Grady 
believed in government by party. He belonged 
to the old school. Studying the history of his 
country, he concluded that the interests of the 
people had always been conserved through the 
two great parties. Having chosen the one, he 
never halted, he never faltered, he never had any 
misgiving as to the correctness of its principles, 
and the benefit which, from his point of view, 
would come to the country through the triumph 
of those principles and its candidates. All men 
must respect a man of that sort. Such was 
Senator Grady. His party has lost its ablest 
champion. In the houses of the Legislature his 
eloquent voice will no longer be heard, but his 
memory will be kept green in the hearts of all 
who knew his noble qualities of mind and heart. 

Mr. Andrew F. Murray 

Mr. Speaker, my first contact with Senator 
Grady occurred some ten years ago. We were 
both interested in common litigation at that time. 
Although I was then quite a young man and my 
judgment was far from mature, I recognized in 
him a man of extraordinary ability and a lawyer 

25 



In nDemoriam 

of unusual accomplishments. But my affection for 
the Senator really rose to a high degree since I 
became a member of the Legislature. I seldom 
agreed with him or he with me concerning political 
questions. But I have always had a profound 
respect for his opinions and his position. Senator 
Grady was a man of extraordinary talents. He 
might even be said to be a man of genius and 
that his qualities were so marked that they excited 
the respect and esteem of all who knew him. 
But he had other qualities that pervade the soul 
to an extent that genius and talent alone could 
not have done. He was a man of warm heart, of 
courteous and genial manner. He was an approach- 
able man. There was something in his personality 
that was comforting, that suggested assistance. In 
his long political career he developed a great degree 
of influence, and that was exercised in behalf of 
those who sought his help. I know of no greater 
service that a man renders in this life than lending 
a helping hand to the needy and to those who 
call upon him. There are many in New York to- 
night who were the recipients of such favors and 
who at this time rise up and call him blessed. He 
was loyal, as Mr. Frisbie has said, to his party and 
to his convictions. I have always insisted that 
loyalty was an inborn quality, a trait of greatness 
that could not be acquired and could not be 
learned. He was eloquent, unusually eloquent. 

26 



OTomae ifrancie <5rabi? 

Eloquence indicates a high degree of character, 
a fine mind and a deep, genuine, noble sentiment. 
He had his frailties, he was not perfect, but with 
all these things— his talent, his genius, his kindly 
heart — he was human and he was respected and 
loved in this house and in the other chamber. He 
was a man of courage. His life indicated courage, 
and his last conscious moments indicated the 
highest degree of courage when he uttered the most 
assuring words of his whole life — "I am not afraid 
to die." He was not the sort of man who, like 
the Pharisee of old, stood upon the street corners 
and thanked God that he was better than other 
men. But, like the PubHcan who would not lift 
his head and smote his breast, "Lord, be merciful 
to me a sinner," that man found favor with the 
great Creator and the righteous Judge. Senator 
Grady entered the valley of shadow with courage, 
with the belief and with the conviction of a re- 
ward. So may it be with each of us, that when 
we are about to step into the valley we may be 
able to say, " I am not afraid to die." 



27 



^Funeral of ^bontas Strands (5rab)2 



i 



O FEW MEN is it given to receive the 
honors of Church and State that marked 
the funeral of Senator Thomas F. Grady, 
which was held February 6, 1912, from his home, 
151 East 30th street, New York City. 

Priests, monsignori and higher clergy, such as 
are rarely seen at the funeral service of a layman, 
were gathered together to assist at the solemn 
mass of requiem which was sung at St. Stephen's 
church in East 28th street. Practically the entire 
Senate and Assembly, with most of the State and 
city officials, were present. Several hours before the 
funeral left the house a constant stream filed by the 
casket. Hundreds of men, whose destitute appear- 
ance gave proof of the truth of their statement, 
declared that they indeed had lost their best friend. 
Not least among the mourners was a notable little 
group made up of twelve page boys of the Sen- 
ate, whose presence gave eloquent testimony to 
the genial friendship of the late Senator. The 
church, which is one of the largest in the city, was 
taxed to its utmost capacity. The Reverend Joseph 
P. Donahue was the celebrant of the mass, the Rev- 
erend H. P. Tracy, D.D., was the deacon, the Rever- 

29 



In flDemoriam 

end William Fogarty, subdeacon, and the Reverend 
Father Edwin M. Sinnott, master of ceremonies. 

In the sanctuary, besides the officers of the 
mass, and in their purple robes, were Auxiliary 
Bishop Cusack and Monsignori Edwards, Lavelle, 
Kearney, McGean, McCready, Wall, McKenna, 
McMahon and Murphy, and the Reverend Fathers 
Roche, McCabe of Mount Vernon, Wilson of Rye, 
Chidwick, Phelan, the Carmelite Father Lafferty, 
John J. Hughes, T. V. Menton, Isadore Meister 
of Mamaroneck, and twenty other priests in black 
cassocks and white surplices. 

The members of the Legislature filed in and 
stood on either side of the aisle. As the service 
for the dead was chanted, the priest slowly pro- 
ceeded toward the altar, the great organ playing 
its mournful accompaniment. 

The honorary pallbearers were Senators Edgar 
T. Brackett of Saratoga and Robert F. Wagner, 
President pro tem. of the Senate, Edwin A. 
Merritt, jr., representing the Republicans in the 
Assembly, and Alfred E. Smith, representing the 
Democrats, and these members of the Democratic 
executive committee and Tammany Society and 
personal friends: Thomas F. McAvoy, former 
Sheriff Thomas Foley, Sol Lichtenstein, Colonel 
Albert L. .ludson, Patrick A. McManus, Dr. Edward 
Donlin, Joseph li. McEntee and City Court Judge 
Edward B. LaFetra. 

30 



Leading the members of the Legislature 
and State officials, who marched from the hotel 
to the house in a body, were Lieutenant Gov 
ernor Conway and John A. Mason, representing 
Governor Dix; Secretary of State Lazansky, 
State Treasurer Kennedy and Patrick E. McCabe, 
clerk of the Senate. Others at the church services 
were Justice Alfred R. Page, who was formerly 
in the Senate; Charles F. Murphy, D. F. Cohalan, 
Thomas E. Rush, John J. Scannell, Francis J. 
Lantry, Colonel Asa Bird Gardiner, Timothy D. 
Sullivan, John Fox, William Dalton, Thomas F. 
Smith, Bryant Henry, John A. Ball, Peter Seary, 
Bourke Cockran, Colonel Alfred Wagstaff, Cap- 
tain James K. Price, George A. Gardner, Hugh 
Hastings, John C. Sheehan, Morgan J. O'Brien, 
William B. Schoen, Justices Gerard and O' Sulli- 
van, Michael J. Mulqueen, Richard M. Henry, 
William P. Kirk, George Spinney, Adam A. Cross, 
William Sheehan, Eugene Philbin, Jefferson M. 
Levy, Richard Croker, jr., Barney Biglin, Ezra 
Prentice, Michael T. Daly, John R. Voorhies, Lee 
Harrison, Christopher Sullivan, Henry L. M. Burke, 
Thomas Shells, John P. Corrigan and former Mayor 
Michael Walsh of Yonkers. 

Among the Brooklyn men were Democratic 
leader John H. McCooey, Elections Commissioner 
James Kane, former State Chairman Timothy L. 
Woodruff, Senators Thomas H. Cullen, Eugene 

31 



In fiDemoriam 

M. Travis, Loring M. Black, jr., Barth S. Cronin, 
Thomas C. Harden, James F. Duhamel, Felix J. 
Sanner, James H. O'Brien, Assemblyman William 
W. Colne, Ex-assemblyman John Jameson, Ex- 
register Fred Lundy, Ex-sherifF P. H. Quinn, 
Deputy Excise Commissioner James S. Regan, 
Assemblymen William J. Gillen, Abraham F. 
Lent, Daniel T. Farrell, Fred M. Ahearn, John 
J. McKeon, James J. Garvey, Jacob SchifFer- 
decker and Henry Heyman, former Senator Alvah 
W. BurUngame, jr., former Senator John Drescher, 
jr., W. R. McGuire, Thomas F. Wogan, Thomas 
R. Farrell, former Deputy Street Cleaning Com- 
missioner Owen J. Murphy, William F. Delaney 
and James B. Sinnott. 

Dissensions that had in the past torn Tammany 
were forgotten and the chieftain and braves gathered 
amicably about the bier of one whom they all loved. 
It was the first public gathering in years where old- 
timers of the wigwam came out in force. Men of 
all creeds and varying political allegiance met and 
mingled with only pleasant, quiet words of greeting. 
They were there out of respect for a man whose 
purely human qualities they loved and admired. 

Grand Worthy President Frank E. Hering of 
South Bend, Indiana, the head of the Fraternal 
Order of Eagles, of which Senator Grady was past 
grand worthy president, and up to the time of his 
death chairman of the board of grand trustees, 

32 



Thomas yrancte (5vat>^ 

appointed the following representatives of the order 
to attend the funeral : Senator Timothy D. SulHvan, 
William J. Brennan of Pittsburgh, Thomas Colgan 
of Cincinnati, Edward S. Hirsch of Baltimore and 
Joseph Dowling of Dayton, Ohio. 

A committee from the Amen Corner, including 
Thomas Smith, T. O. McGill, Louis Siebold and 
William Leary, was present. 

Miss Margaret M. Grady, sister of Senator 
Grady, and the only surviving member of the 
family, two sisters of charity, who attended him 
in his last illness, and a number of personal and 
political friends and associates accompanied the 
remains to the cemetery. Interment was in the 
family plot in Calvary. 

The hundreds of floral offerings were distributed 
among the hospitals. 



33 



fliiemorfal IResoIutions on the 
2>eatb of Senator <5ra5)2 



At the meeting of the Board of Aldermen of 

New York Cit5% February 6, 1912, the following 

resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising 

vote: 

Whereas, The hand of death has removed from 
our midst Thomas Francis Grady at the zenith of his 
attainments, and after a life spent in the public ser- 
vice. Born in this city, educated here, he early 
entered public life and soon became noted for his 
oratorical powers. His party, early recognizing his 
ability, sent him to the Assembly for five years and 
then to the State Senate, where he remained one 
term. After an absence of a few years he again 
became a State Senator, but was defeated for reelec- 
tion. For four years he served as a police magistrate 
in this city, and in 1895 he was again elected to the 
State Senate where he since remained, and in which 
service he passed away. From his first term in the 
State Legislature he was noted for his skill in debate, 
his expertness in parliamentary law, and his unusual 
grasp of the provisions of existing and proposed stat- 
utes. Ringing all the changes of logic, irony, praise 
and invective with matchless skill, he obtained a 
power in the legislative halls which was never shaken. 
His public and private life so intermingled that his 
friends were numbered among the prominent men of 
all parties. The services he rendered his party in the 
State were signal. His public career placed him 
constantly before the people, to whom he was so 
close that they appreciated him at his true value; 
be it 



1 1. 



34 



^bomas jfrancie 6vab^ 

Resolved, That we, the members of the board of 
aldermen, do hereby record our high opinion of the 
worth and services of Thomas Francis Grady so long 
and so prominently a member in State Legislature 
from this city, and our recognition of his life of 
public service; and be it further 

Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and 
resolution be suitably engrossed and duly authenti- 
cated by the president of this board, the city clerk 
and his honor, the mayor, and forwarded to the family 
of the deceased. 



35 



^Tributes b^ (fbembcvs of the 

Senate 



TIdbutes bie flDembers of tbe Senate 




IIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HOR- 
ACE WHITE 

It is appropriate and wise that the 
archives of the State of New York shall contain a 
memorial devoted to Thomas F. Grady ; appropriate 
because he rendered service of enduring value to the 
people of the State, wise because instructive lessons 
may be drawn from his public life. 

Senator Grady served in the Senate of the 
State for about twenty years. He met there many 
strong, able men, but it can be truly said that no 
member of that body, during this prolonged period, 
enjoyed to a greater degree the friendship and con- 
fidence of his associates. It was interesting to note 
his rare equipment for legislative service. Nature 
endowed him with abundant gifts — an attractive 
personality, a retentive mind, a quick wit and 
brilliant oratorical powers. He acquired wide 
knowledge, an ample vocabulary and a complete 
mastery of the rules and precedents of the Senate. 
And yet all these did not furnish the secret of 
his success and of his strength. The secret lay 
rather in the fact that he possessed, through all 

39 



fln fiDemoriam 

his long and active career, the ability to win the 
hearts and the confidence of all with whom he 
associated. Those who knew him were irresistibly 
attracted to him. Among his friends his merest 
nod carried as complete assurance as could his 
solemn covenant. However widely one might 
differ with him in regard to measures or policies, 
it was plain that he was considerately, sincerely 
striving to do his duty as he had the light to 
see it. 

Unlike Clay, Douglas, Blaine and other con- 
spicuous parliamentary leaders, Senator Grady was 
not drawn to the field of national legislation. His 
inclinations led him to the law-making bodies of his 
State; nor can it be truthfully said that, while he 
was serving here, his inmost, controlling interests 
were wath the commonwealth. No, his sympathies, 
his knowledge, his rare gifts, sprang from and were 
devoted primarily to the great municipality where 
he was born, and lived, and died. He loved its 
teeming life, he was uplifted by its amazing prog- 
ress, he felt a responsibility for its development 
and welfare. These sentiments originated not in 
official life, not in ambitious motives, not in polit- 
ical influences, but earlier, closer, deeper, in his 
inborn love and sohcitude for the toiling, suffering 
multitudes. When he raised his voice for the con- 
struction, protection or embellishment of some 
great public work, his vision dwelt on the mothers 

40 



^bomae ffrands 6rabi? 

and little children gathered there, whom he hoped 
would profit by the fresh air and sunlight; whom 
he hoped would gain strength and knowledge and 
patriotic purpose from such improvements. When 
he labored for what he believed to be good charter 
legislation, he had first in mind the morals, the 
happiness, the health of the humble and obscure 
masses. When he voted against some measures of 
undoubted merit, he did so because he feared their 
effect upon the rights and well-being of those most 
dependent upon his care. During his long and 
distinguished career in the Legislature, while he 
brought to all large questions studious preparation, 
wide intelligence and shining talents, he reached 
the summit of his zeal, his strength of mind, his 
splendid powers when he joined in controversy to 
uphold, as he believed, the privileges and oppor- 
tunities of the mighty army of working women 
and men who dwell in New York City. 

Senator Grady was a master of parliamentary 
law, an accomplishment which, combined with his 
rare gift of speech, capable of ranging with equal 
charm along both humorous and serious lines, 
made him easily the most effective debater of the 
forum in which he passed the best years of his 
life. How inimitable he was in picturing the 
weaknesses and sophistries in the arguments of his 
adversaries, and yet how kind! How touching he 
was when his heartstrings were moved by sorrow 

41 



ITn fIDemoriam 

or the cause of a friend! How inspiring he was 
when his big heart voiced noble or patriotic senti- 
ments! His eloquence carried, in its vivid phrase 
and the play of its emotion, reminders of an earlier 
period in American oratory. And that voice! No 
one who has heard it can forget it. Such was its 
compass that it could sink to the level of the 
gentlest feeling, and, rising with the passion of 
debate, rolled beyond the confines of the Senate 
chamber in leonine power. 

There were sides to the nature of Thomas F. 
Grady quite unknown except to those friends in 
whom he reposed especial trust. Few men drew so 
much interest and happiness from family ties and old 
friendships. Few knew so well or appreciated so 
genuinely works of art. He seemed to possess an 
affection, almost physical, for a beautiful painting 
or a choice book. Anything the work of human 
hand, rare, artistic, beautiful, appealed to him, and 
he was wont to admire or fondle it as if it were a 
child. 

Senator John F. Murtaugh 

Some years ago I made my first visit to Albany 
and the Capitol. While seated in the gallery of the 
Senate observing and ascertaining the identity of the 
different members of the body, my attention was 
particularly attracted to a dignified and distinguished 
looking Senator whose voice at that time was one of 

42 



ZTbomas jfrancia (Brabi? 

the most charming ever heard. The Senator was in 
the midst of every debate and all day long I grew 
more interested as this able legislator and mag- 
nificent orator entered anew into different debates. 
Every sentence that came from his lips was clear-cut 
and impressive, every gesture was graceful, every 
movement fascinating and charming. It was the 
great Democratic leader. Senator Thomas F. Grady 
of New York. 

The impression made that day has always 
remained an interesting memory. A striking char- 
acter was Senator Grady. When I entered the 
Senate he was the oldest member in point of service, 
and as a legislator he was without an equal. He 
was a member before many of the members of the 
present Senate were born. He had just been 
deprived of his right to lead the Democratic majority 
when for twenty years he had been the leader of the 
minority. He was one of the most lovable men in 
the Senate. Regardless of politics his fellow Sen- 
ators admired and respected him as one of the 
ablest legislators in the history of the Legislature, 
and one of the greatest orators of the last two 
generations. 

Senator Grady was an orator and politician of 
the old school that is rapidly passing from the arena 
of politics. He entered the Legislature at an early 
age and won, almost at a bound, the reputation of 
being one of the ablest and most brilliant orators of 

43 



Hn flDemoriam 

his day. This remarkable quality remained with 
him and he retained that reputation until his 
death. 

Nature gave him the qualities of a good parlia- 
mentarian, sharp wit, cutting sarcasm, a brilliant 
imagination and a most tenacious memory. No 
member of the Legislature was more admired or 
feared in debate. It was a sight long to be 
remembered to see the Senator in action in a 
heated argument. He was at his best when lashed, 
goaded and almost driven to the wall by able 
opponents; then he became an intellectual gladia- 
tor, powerful, eloquent and resourceful, a foeman 
worthy of the steel of the most accomplished 
adversary. 

After the battle was over he never harbored 
animosities; his kind and generous heart could not 
refuse a request from a political opponent or any 
other human being. He was one of the kindest 
hearted of men and especially so to the new mem- 
bers of the Legislature. I still remember with feel- 
ing his kindness and generosity to me in the early 
weeks of my career in the Senate. He was never 
too busy to give timely and valuable advice, and 
those who knew him best, loved him and will 
always have a green place in their memory for the 
brilliant, kind-hearted man who for over twenty-five 
years was such a conspicuous figure in the Legisla- 
ture of the State. 

44 



ZTbomaa jfrancte (3ra^1^ 

Senator Edgar T. Brackett 

In this memorial by the Senate, of which he 
was so long one of the most distinguished members, 
I am permitted to speak of this dear friend. Yet I 
hesitate and am afraid lest my speech be lost in 
panegyric and swallowed up in love of the man. 
The recollection of the seventeen years of our 
friendship is too lively for measured words; it 
must be left to others to give any impartial analysis 
of his life and character. 

1 do not remember where he was born, nor 
when, nor do I care. Place in such case is of the 
least consequence, time is of no account. It is 
enough for me to know that whatever spot can claim 
his birth, or whatever year when he was given to 
this world, there came a soul as generous and a char- 
acter as lovable as ever inhabited mortal frame. But 
I have heard enough to know that he first saw the 
light somewhere in the great city where he lived 
until his death and which dehghted to honor him 
through the years. 

I first knew him at the assembling of the Senate 
in January, 1896. Before that I had read much of 
him in the papers of the time. He had then been 
in public life a number of years and had reached a 
prominent place in his party councils and in the pub- 
lic eye, but he had belonged to another party than 
mine, had lived in another part of the State and I 
had never met him, nor, as I recall, seen him. I 

45 



Hn fiDemoriam 

had, however, formed a decided and a severe judg- 
ment of him and was prepared to look for the cloven 
hoof and to resist to the utmost any suggestion made 
by him. 

When I remember the helpfulness, the kind- 
liness, the gentleness with which he welcomed me 
as a colleague, and the never varying patience with 
which, over and over again, with his unrivalled 
parliamentary learning, he helped me through the 
maze of proceedings necessary to the conduct of 
legislative business, it is borne in on me very 
powerfully how little we know of public men fi*om 
the newspaper estimate of them. 

The acquaintance thus begun kept company 
with the hours and broadened with the years. 
Never for one moment was it clouded, never a 
shadow cast upon it. Recognizing as he did, and 
as 1 hope that 1 did, too, the necessities of legis- 
lative combat in the performance of our several 
duties, into that combat each putting every ounce 
of his strength and every bit of his skill, there 
never came a moment when either could not com- 
mand the limit of friendly devotion in all private 
relations. 

And when there came to me the depth of 
trial, when the heavens seemed brass overhead and 
the earth beneath, the tenderness of his sympathy 
was beyond description, the consolation of his phi- 
losophy unmeasured. For years thereafter he never 

46 



^boma0 ffranci0 (Brabi^ 

came to Saratoga that I did not find flowers on 
my little boy's grave, with some expression of con- 
tinuing sympathy and regard. 

If I have at all correctly appreciated the dom- 
inant note of this man's character, it was a desire 
to be helpful to every one with whom he came in 
touch. Helpfulness was a passion with him. To 
the distressed, to the perplexed, to all in trouble, 
his heart went out. Any attempt to take advan- 
tage of, or oppress, the poor or the weak instantly 
roused him to fury. It was in such cases that he 
reached his highest flights in the Senate, heights 
that were beautiful in their oratory, that were 
compelling in their logic. Of all the men I have 
known, none ever more earned the right to beg 
the Recording Angel 

"I pray thee, then. 
Write me as one who loved his fellow men." 

Who then will deny that when, in the dawning 
of the morning, is shown *'the names whom love 
of God had blessed," we shall be sure to find that 
of this dear friend ? 

He was a man of intense religious feeling. His 
faith in a future life was without a disturbing doubt. 
As I saw him lying in his coflin, with the symbols 
of his faith twined around his dead fingers, I knew 
that he had died as he had lived, a firm believer in 
the doctrines of his church and in their power to 
lead him finally through the gloom. 

47 



Hn fIDemoriant 

We have forgotten his many and oft weak- 
nesses; we remember only the things that made for 
manfulness and for right. We recall the silver voice, 
the grace and bearing of the orator, the unrivalled 
parliamentarian, the eloquence that could come only 
from lips that had verily been touched with the 
living fire — these are the things upon which we love 
to dwell and that will keep dear his memory. 

He died before his time, and yet we remember 
that 

"Early or late, come when it will. 
At midnight or at noon. 
Prophet of good or threat of ill 
Death always comes too soon." 

We leave him with the ages with the invoca- 
tion uttered by himself in eulogy of a friend who 
had just gone, I think the last time that 1 ever 
heard him speak in the Senate : * ' The Lord make 
his face to shine upon him and give him peace. 



5> 



Senator Loring M. Black, Jr. 

From the center of a picture of the Senate of 
1911 there looks down upon me an old friend, Sena- 
tor Grady. He looks ready for fight, action, debate. 
On closer view, I note a more benignant expression. 
Senator Grady was subtle and recondite. It was 
in his capacity as a debater that I knew him 
best; not as an opponent, for the best of them 
would have been wiser had they not opposed him, 

48 



tTbomae Jfrancie (5rab^ 

but as an observer, or better, as a component of his 
client, the Democratic party. How he could plead 
for that client ! He thought it could do no wrong. 
Many a time did I sit at my desk in trepidation 
under the heavy attack of the able opposition, only 
to bs lifted to the buoyancy of a victor, championed 
by Senator Grady. He could bowl over their heavi- 
est guns without the slightest effort. Striding up 
and down the center of the chamber, he would 
deflect volleys of questions, drive home his own 
points, and ward off the opposition's. Should the 
argument assume a lighter vein, his quick shafts of 
wit would hit before the keen darts of men like 
Senators Hinman, Brackett and Newcomb could 
find their marks. His talks were not mere effer- 
vescences; they were all masterpieces of logic. I 
recall on one occasion when that terrible hobgoblin 
to Democracy, Senator Brackett, was at his evil 
tricks, how Senator Grady protected us. It seemed 
that some Republican wanted an appropriation, 
which was subsequently cut down by Senator Fraw- 
ley, that careful guardian of the State's finance, 
and Brackett, in the course of his attack, remarked, 
"This thing reminds me of the small boy who was 
asked by his mother whether he would have pie or 
cheese. The boy said pie and the mother gave him 
cheese. That's what you Democrats are doing to 
us. We ask for pie and you give us cheese. " Imme- 
diately, the Senator from the Fourteenth (Grady) 

49 



Un nDemorlam 

was on his feet. "No, no, that's nothing. When 
the Repubhcan party was in power, and the Demo- 
crats were offered pie or cheese, they would ask for 
cheese and get nothing. This shows the difference 
in the parties." Brackett laughed heartily, and 
throwing his hands above his head in despair, 
resumed his seat. Monday evening sessions fur- 
nished debates in which Senator Grady stood against 
the field — and vanquished the field. One would 
almost beheve the dialogues between Brackett and 
Grady had been the subject of preparation for 
months — intensely dramatic, responsive and touched 
with the kindest humor. 

Often I found myself at Senator Grady's desk 
soliciting advice, and getting real advice, which 1 
found of much avail. Once I had to see the Gover- 
nor about a bill of mine that I suspected he intended 
to veto ; at the time of my appointment with Gov- 
ernor Dix, it was barely possible that another piece 
of my legislation would come up for third reading 
in the Senate. I went to Senator Grady, before 
going to the Executive Chamber, and asked him to 
look after my bill. "Of course " he would. The bill 
was aimed to stop the representation of the Deity 
on the stage. I told the Senator what I knew 
about the bill and then went downstairs. In 
about forty-five minutes I returned to hear Senator 
Grady arguing on my bill. His speech was more 
fervently religious, more Christian-like, more real 

50 



(Xbomaa ifrancie 6rabi? 

than any sermon one could hear. Nothing hypo- 
critical about it — just the sentiments of a true 
man, denoting a substantial respect for his Creator. 
Senator Grady's remarks evidenced a wide acquaint- 
ance with the drama. Among other of its develop- 
ments, he cited a profane trend in the theater due 
to some so-called morality plays, and he pointed 
out the dangers of a too familiar conception of 
the Most High. Needless to say his speech passed 
the bill, which is now incorporated in the Penal 
Law. 

There was no thought on government or politics 
that Senator Grady could not elaborate. When 
under the spell of his oratory, I would wish that 
he could enter the parhaments of the world to be 
pitted against their best, so that New York could 
exhibit its treasure and genius. His mind was 
most ready in receptiveness and deft in discovering 
error. 

He was the personification of dignity and while 
he insisted on respect, he wanted more to be liked. 
That he was well liked, no man can deny. 

He has done more for this State than any man 
realizes, probably more than any other man. He was 
a great constructive legislator. He was fond of the 
things that were old, but was broad enough to 
recognize what was good in the new, and conscien- 
tious enough to adopt them. He will live forever 
in the codes and statutes of New York. 

51 



Hn flDemoriam 

Senator Henry M. Sage 

As everyone who knew him is aware, Senator 
Grady's kindness stood out even beyond his brilliancy. 
When I first entered the Senate he went out of his 
way several times to help me with advice and in 
other ways. I remember the instance of a local bill 
affecting Cohoes, given some member of the Demo- 
cratic side to introduce, which I was vainly trying 
to hold back. 1 knew I could not defeat it as it 
was political in character. The bill was being pushed 
vigorously by Senator Wagner, when Senator Grady 
stepped up to him in the aisle, whispered a word, 
and the bill was laid aside and did not come up 
again for three weeks. Senator Grady never said a 
word to me, but I knew he had interposed in my 
behalf in order that I might have the credit of 
delaying the bill. 

On another occasion he himself had a banking 
bill of which I did not approve. I had the temerity 
to oppose it and he came over to make a personal 
explanation of the bill to me. I was not convinced 
and continued my opposition, although the bill, of 
course, passed. One of my confreres told me that I 
was unwise to arouse the Senator's powerful antag- 
onism, but the very next day he brought to my 
desk, as a gift, a beautifully bound little set of books. 
T asked him to write Mrs. Sage's name in them, 
which he did, and they are a prized possession. 

52 



^bomas jfrancie Grabi? 

I am telling only of things which affected me, 
in my association with this rare character. Every 
one who served with him knows the loving affection 
he inspired in all. 

Senator Thomas C. Harden 

On the very first day that I took my place 
among the college of Senators at Albany, I was held 
almost spellbound by the convincing arguments and 
earnest eloquence of one whose name even now 
recalls naught save the tenderest memories. The 
admiration for Thomas F. Grady, then begun, has 
continued to increase, and a knowledge of the many 
sorrows he endured has served only to intensify my 
fondness for him. 

His ability as a legislator was astounding to 
those who knew him, and the various laws which 
bear his name testify to his active career and abun- 
dant knowledge. I can place my finger on no living 
man who excelled him as a skilful debater or tactful 
statesman. I know of none who possessed to greater 
degree the genuine esteem of his colleagues. His 
ability as a lawyer and lawmaker could not be 
questioned. 

I well remember an incident that occurred upon 
the return of Ex- President Roosevelt from his hunt- 
ing expedition in Africa. Senator Grady and myself 
were members of the Senate committee appointed 
to receive the colonel, and while we were chatting 

63 



II n nDemortam 

together before the parade started from the battery, 
Mr. Roosevelt suddenly turned to Senator Grady and 
exclaimed, '*Tom, your place is in Washington." 
A testimonial to Senator Grady's ability as a legisla- 
tor tendered by one who had been our nation's chief 
executive. 

As a friend Senator Grady proved himself most 
staunch and for his many kindnesses to me I shall 
always feel deeply grateful. A sincere friend indeed 
he was ; an open enemy, yet a generous foe. There 
was nothing hypocritical or pharisaical in his active 
and versatile life. His sorrows deserved our ten- 
derest sympathy ; his ability commanded our respect. 

Senator Thomas H. Cullen 

I can not permit this opportunity to pass with- 
out adding my brief tribute to the public service 
and the personal character and worth of one in whose 
honor the Senate gives some recognition by this 
memorial. He sat in life so near to me that I can 
scarcely as yet realize that he has really gone. 

His sweet and pleasant voice, his never failing 
smile, his friendly greeting every morning when the 
Senate met, are vividly before me. 

Senator Grady was a man whose qualities com- 
pelled regard because there was not in him a single 
trace of hypocrisy or sham. One could always know 
his views and he never lacked the courage or the 
intellectual force to express them fittingly. 

54 



^bomae jfrancie (5ra^1? 

He never took a stand on public questions with- 
out most careful thought, but when he had once 
taken it, no force or influence could drive him from it 
or close his lips from eloquently advocating it. His 
views were always heard with great respect and all 
who served with him can testify to the soundness of 
his judgment on matters to which he gave attention. 

He was proud of the office which he held and 
he endeavored to fulfil the duties it entailed with all 
the energy, earnestness and ability that were in him. 

I find it more than difficult at this time even 
to attempt this poor expression of the public appre- 
ciation of the loss which was sustained in the death 
of this noble personality who to all of us was a 
beloved associate but who to me was a companion 
and loyal friend. 

Senator James J. Frawley 

In scanning the eulogies of honest admirers and 
sincere enemies I find the titles scholar, lawyer, 
statesman, orator, philanthropist and friend. Each 
bears its own eulogy, and each may be prefaced with 
the word ''great." It would be my privilege to 
dwell on all these if space permitted, but to one so 
intimately associated with Senator Grady, to one 
who knew so well the type of man he was, so full 
was he of the milk of human kindness, so unselfish, 
so broad in his charity, that I would be lax were I 
not to emphasize his worth in his noble title of 

55 



l[n nDemoriam 

*' friend. ' Senator Grady was so big-hearted and 
generous in his service to others that he left the 
impress of his counsel and advice on many a 
younger brother in the Senate — he was so easy of 
approach to the more timid and younger members of 
the house — and I hardly dare acknowledge my per- 
sonal debt of gratitude to Senator Grady for his 
patience and endurance and generosity in giving to 
me so abundantly from his unbounded wealth of 
knowledge and kindly advice. If his intimates 
rejoiced in his confidence and counsel, his critics and 
opponents acknowledge him broadminded and liberal, 
without wavering or lacking in any way the courage 
of his strong convictions. 

His love of art and literature was a dominant 
note of his character and this love was radiated to 
those about him. His associates and friends found it 
a pleasure and a privilege to enjoy long conversations 
with Senator Grady ; his scholarly attainments shone 
out so brilliantly, and his command of English was 
so perfect, yet so free from affectation. His manner 
was so unassuming, so marked with the delightful 
sympathy of a child that one marveled at the happy 
combination in so great a man, and came from his 
presence enriched with knowledge and longing for 
the higher things that make life worth while. 

To show friendship with those who are friendly 
is a pleasant task, but to be tender and considerate 
toward the poor, to cheer and brighten their lives, to 

56 



OTomae jjfrande (Brabi? 

give of one's very substance to the support and uplift 
of a less fortunate brother, these are the traits of 
character that make the man. 

What wonder then that we mourn him alike — 
friend and opponent, high and humble. We honor 
indeed the scholar, the lawyer, the statesman, the 
orator, the philanthropist, nor would we lessen the 
glory of any of these because we honor preeminently 
the friend and the man. 

How proud would 1 be had I the art to put into 
verse words of praise such as friend only can say of 
friend, but this is not given to me and 1 can truly 
and emphatically give utterance to the words of the 
kindly poet who so loyally wrote 

*' Green be the turf above thee 
Friend of my better days. 
None knew him but to love him. 
None named him but to praise." 

Senator Robert F. Wagner 

Few men have ever left so indelible an impress 
upon the political history of this State, few have ever 
exerted so great an influence in the circles in which 
they moved, few have ever gained a greater portion 
of public esteem, and few have ever won or deserved 
in so great a degree the respect and the affection of 
their associates as did Senator Grady. Of that 
affection this volume is but an inadequate testi- 
monial, and these words are only the humble tribute 
of one who was honored to be associated with him. 

57 



Iln fIDcmoriam 

My memories of Senator Grady will always be 
the most pleasant. I remember him as the intellectual 
giant to whom I looked upon my initiation into the 
Legislature ; as the eloquent orator, who stood high 
in his party's councils; as the astute parliamentarian 
whose opinion was respected by all, regardless of 
party ; and as the skilful statesman, whose legislative 
endeavors were prompted primarily by his sense of 
duty to the State and the people whom he repre- 
sented. But I especially remember him as the kindly 
gentleman to whom no courtesy was foreign, to whom 
a breach of faith was unknown, and to whom sur- 
reptitious practices were impossible. As a debator 
he certainly had no equal to my knowledge in the 
Legislature of the State of New York. His oratory 
was convincing because it was inspired by sincerity 
and honest belief in the cause which he espoused. 
With his inimitable eloquence, he combined the 
keenest intelligence that I have ever seen in a legis- 
lator, the greatest store of information which it seems 
possible to acquire, and the highest measure of 
political sense which experience can teach. If he 
never was at a loss for a word, he certainly was never 
at a loss for an idea. These traits of mind are too 
well known to be rehearsed here, and I recite them 
merely as a mark of my appreciation of them and of 
the respect which I held and still maintain for the pos- 
sessor of them. But the characteristics which remain 
more vivid in the memory are not qualities of mind 

58 



so much as qualities of heart. His large sympathy 
with human nature, his conscious effort to befriend, 
his courteous treatment of all who came in contact 
with him, his kindly and genteel bearing among us 
are the traits that remain uppermost in our minds 
and which first suggest themselves when the name of 
Senator Grady is mentioned. 

We who consecrate this volume to his memory 
pay but an insufficient tribute to him. His greatness 
of mind and soul transcends by far the modest en- 
comium of these pages. For many years to come his 
memory will endure with his friends because of the 
affection they had for him — with the people at large 
because of the public service which he rendered and 
to which he dedicated his life. 

Senator Elon R. Brown 

Returning to the Senate after an absence of 
several years, the charm of the associations of the 
chamber were marred by the recent death of Senator 
Grady. He loved the Senate halls, and lived in 
them as a part of them more than any man I ever 
knew. We were not only of opposite politics, but 
we had very different conceptions of society, and of 
the basic principles which should control legislation 
affecting the Commonwealth and the progress of its 
people. But these differences rather enhanced than 
lessened the personal regard and comradeship which 
would naturally spring from long and close associa- 

9d 



Hn flDemoriam 

tion here. Senator Grady brought to the support 
of the principles and measures that he advocated, 
broad cathoUcity of view and indulgence of opposing 
views. Whoever opposed him well, ably and hon- 
estly, was sure of his respect, and a warm friendship 
often followed. Possessing talents of a high character 
himself, great mental activity, great power of state- 
ment and eloquence, he was peculiarly generous in 
his judgment of the ability of others. He assumed 
that his opponent was of good character and enter- 
tained high purpose and attributed opposition to no 
mean motives. He loved the fray, and shone in it 
as a brave and brilUant advocate and knight. Chiv- 
alry and conflict ruled his conduct and desire, and 
when the conflict was over, his heart welled with 
the kindest emotions toward his antagonist, whoever 
was vanquished, and he longed for evidence of recip- 
rocal good will. So generous a nature was sure 
of the desired response. 

Senator Grady was equipped better than any 
man I ever knew with knowledge of parliamentary 
procedure. He knew exactly what to do and when 
to do it. It suited his taste, and his experience was 
unrivaled. Almost the whole period of his service 
was in the minority. He had to rely upon his agility 
and manipulation as a compensation for want of 
power. He had a wide and varied experience in 
dealing with the affairs of State. He knew the pro- 
cesses of governmental operation. Learning easily 

60 



tTbomas jfrande (Bra^p 

and working industriously, this knowledge became 
monumental, and it was used as much to aid the 
majority in development along the lines in which 
the majority's action was directed as in opposition. 
Having fought out an issue and been defeated. 
Senator Grady sat down with a nimble pencil and 
an incisive mind to frame correctly the policy he 
had opposed. This was frequently demonstrated in 
my experience upon the finance committee where 
I served with him seven years with such associates as 
Governor Higgins, Senator Raines, Senator Krum, 
Senator Humphreys, Senator Stranahan, Senator 
Armstrong and other Senators of exceptionally high 
character, ability, industry and acquaintance with 
the State's affairs. Senator Grady ranked high 
among such associates. 

Serving during an era of legislation which was 
marred at times by malign influences, particularly 
in corporate legislation and bipartisan agreements 
for personal ends. Senator Grady was never for a 
moment believed by any of his associates to be 
corruptly influenced in his action in the Senate. 

Many of the finer and more interesting qualities 
of mind and heart were revealed by Senator Grady 
in the course of the seven years I served with him 
as incident to his career. He could not tolerate 
oppressive action toward any Senator, and would 
fly to his aid with a wealth of resource and of 
courage that was sure to rescue him from personal 

61 



fn fIDemortam 

humiliation or defeat. He had a good heart. He 
made no effort to show it — he could not conceal 
it. After a strenuous month's service, night and 
day, on the committees of finance, judiciary and 
cities, where it was his duty to sit as the leader of 
the minority, he would most unexpectedly, in a 
moment of leisure, walk to the desk of an associate 
to show him some treasure of art or of literature, an 
ancient classic, an early edition or a rare engraving. 
In his association with his fellow Senators, he was 
free from vulgarity and breathed noble sentiment. 

Senator Grady was a very attractive orator. 
While the rough and tumble work upon the floor 
of the Senate affords few opportunities for eloquence. 
Senator Grady's standard of public speech, in apti- 
tude, incisiveness, allusion and mental power, was very 
high. He was particularly engaging when moved by 
his emotions. He made the best after-dinner speech I 
ever heard at a dinner given by the late Lieutenant 
Governor Woodruff. While other Senators at times 
surpassed him in individual efforts, none of them was 
his rival in facihty or in range of debate. 

Whatever clouds threatened his personal or 
political fortunes, the endearing qualities of per- 
sonal association always insured for him the kind 
consideration of his associates, and this consideration 
was but a small return for the kindness and the 
services he himself spent in giving to his associates. 
Nil nisi bonum. 

62 



XTbomae ifrancts (Bra^p 

Ex- Senator J. Sloat Fassett 

It is almost twenty-five years since 1 sat in the 
Senate with Hon. Thomas Grady, who came in to fill 
out the unexpired term of Senator Riley, deceased. 
I can only, therefore, give such a brief sketch of the 
man and his work and appearance in the Senate as 
memory permits after so long a space of time and 
after so many intervening experiences. 

Thomas Grady was the star orator of the Senate 
whenever he sat in that body. He represented the 
sixth senatorial district, and came into senatorial 
service again, afler several years of absence, at the 
urgent solicitation of Governor David B. Hill, who 
was engaged in a lively and continuous struggle with 
a Senate constantly Republican during all his term 
of office. The Governor was already ably served 
by such men as Senator (now Congressman) Jacob 
Cantor, Senator Eugene Ives of New York, Senator 
McNaughton of Buffalo, and others ; but he desired 
to strengthen the battery of orators and parliamen- 
tarians by reenlisting the ever-ready and aggressive 
Grady. 

It will be remembered that while Cleveland was 
Governor he did not get on well with Grady and 
allowed his dislike to take the form of asking Richard 
Croker to keep Grady out of the Senate for his 
(Cleveland's) "personal comfort." So for several 
years the Senator, who was frequently thereafter 
dubbed by the newspapers, ' ' Personal Comfort 

63 



Iln riDemodam 

Grady," was absent from the scene ot his many 
triumphs. 

While we served together it was my lot to be 
the Temporary President of the Senate, which office 
constituted me, nominally, at least, the Republican 
floor leader. Those were the days of divided Repub- 
lican counsels and intense party strife. The situation 
thus created afforded rare temptations to Governor 
Hill to widen the breach between Republican Sen- 
ators and irresistible chances to Senator Grady to 
intensify the discord in Republican ranks. 

There were but thirty-two Senators at that time, 
and a very lively debating club they constituted. 
There were many able men in the Senate, of trained 
skill as speakers and debaters, but I think they would 
all, were they still living, agree with me in my esti- 
mate of Senator Grady, as incomparably the best 
all-around talker of them all. Generally he had com- 
plete command of his temper. If ever he did give 
way to a burst of temper it was distinctly to his 
own disadvantage. He lost then his beautiful and 
exasperating poise of manner and method. Nature 
designed him for a great actor. He could simulate 
wrath, indignation, hope, fear, surprise, joy, amaze- 
ment, and in fact all the great and the lesser passions. 
He played with them and depicted them at will. 
He was a past master of innuendo and invective, 
and equally skilful as a parliamentary tease. His 
sense of humor kept him always, or almost always, 

64 



G:boma0 jfrancte 6rat)^ 

in leash. He had, too, a caustic wit, which could 
both burn and bite. He could taunt and ridicule 
an opponent without mercy. I have seen men fairly 
squirm under the lashings of his scorn. He had a 
wizard touch in opposing an unwelcome proposition. 

His skill as an oratorical fencer was delightful at 
all times, even when he was least sincere. He simu- 
lated sincerity better than any man that I have ever 
known, but when his heart really was in tune with 
his intellectual convictions, and head and heart with 
his subject, he was, to us all, most fascinating, even 
if he did not always succeed in convincing us. After 
one short and unimportant clash, our personal and 
senatorial relations became not only peaceful but 
friendly, and I came to know him well. With me 
he always kept the faith in letter and in spirit. He 
was kind and chivalrous ; quick to anger he was quick 
to forgive. He trusted other men beyond reason 
until once betrayed. He could forgive anything else 
quicker than faith betrayed. 

There was no monotony about Senator Grady's 
style. He had a gift of words. He loved them and 
enjoyed them in all their shades of meaning. They 
were the brushes and the colors with which he 
wrought his pictures, and he painted large and swift 
and strong, and then again with the mincing care 
of a conservative academician. It always seemed to 
me that he worked much as an artist works, feeling 
his way, yielding to his moods and fancies, and yet 

65 



II n fiDemoriam 

always apart from them, with mastery over them and 
compelling them to do his will. 

There was no smell of the lamp about his work. 
It never impressed me that he was a hard student. 
He was gifted beyond most men with a quick, keen, 
assimilative mind and the power of intellectual vision 
which made it easy for him to grasp his subject, 
hold it firmly and discuss it fluently. Sometimes, 
when in the humor, he would play with his theme 
with infinite relish, somewhat as a cat might play 
with a mouse, confident that it could not get away 
unless he willed it so, and then only so far as he 
willed. 

He could hardly be called a constructive legis- 
lator. It would be flattery to call him a great lawyer, 
but he was a skilful advocate and a most picturesque 
figure. He served many years after my day, and 
time probably wrought many changes in him and in 
his powers, but he was always in a class by himself, 
and it will be many a long day before the Senate will 
hear again such wit and humor, such satire and rail- 
lery, such pathos and melting eloquence as for many 
years in the lofty chamber poured from the lips, now 
silent, of Grady of the silver tongue. 



66 



iCbitorials anb fl)e88ades 
of Conbolence 



Excerpts from Bbftorfals 



To a native ability which was unquestioned he 
added the rarer power of winning the affection of his 
associates. Legislatures came and went at Albany, 
political ideas changed and expanded, but Senator 
Grady continued to be loved by his colleagues. In 
the legislative life of the State, Thomas F. Grady 
was for almost a generation easily the most conspic- 
uous figure. Thousands and thousands of visitors to 
the Capitol have carried away no clearer memory 
than that of a debate in which the wit and skill and 
at times the real oratorical force of Senator Grady 
were the dominant features. A great many hun- 
dreds of men loved Thomas Grady. His friends are 
scattered all over the State and the personal grati- 
tude of many of his fellow citizens he has earned 
and deserved by innumerable acts of generosity. — 
New York Sun. 

With the passing of State Senator Thomas F. 
Grady the people lose a public servant who has served 
them long and well, as well as a friend whose genial 
personality and lovable disposition seldom failed to 
win the warm regard of those with whom he came in 
contact. Senator Grady was a man with a brilliant 
mind as well as an unusually eloquent tongue. In 

69 



Hn fiDemodam 

his public career there were many times when in the 
heat of debate other men would have resented flings 
which Mr. Grady took advantage of and by his keen 
wit and ready retort turned to his own advantage. 
He was a man of pronounced self-control, who could 
answer fierce onslaughts of his opponents with calm 
and effective retort. He was not only a master of 
oratory but of himself, and it was this happy char- 
acteristic that gave him a strong leadership over other 
men. Because of his gift as an orator and his thor- 
ough mastery of sarcasm Senator Grady was admired 
by his followers and associates, and feared but not 
hated by his opponents. Many times his voice has 
sounded in the legislative halls of the Empire State 
in eloquent arguments for or against measures receiv- 
ing legislative consideration. Some of the utter- 
ances to which he gave voice have passed into history, 
and the man, after a long term of faithful public ser- 
vice, has passed on to the Great Beyond, but the 
memory of him, or of his service to the State, will 
never pass from the minds and hearts of the people 
of the State to whose welfare he devoted many years 
of his life. 

Senator Grady died as he lived, without fear. 
*'I am not afraid; I am at peace; good bye," he 
said calmly, as he realized that his span of mortal life 
was rapidly drawing to a close. Although he had 
lived many years in the turmoil and strife of a politi- 
cal career, and had passed through the vicissitudes 

70 



^bomas jfrancte (Brabi? 

of many a political struggle. Senator Grady had, 
throughout, been at peace. His fights were not 
personal fights ; they were fights of principle and he 
bore no animosity against those with whom he fought. 
As he had no fear as he passed out through the gate- 
way of mortality, so in his worldly career Senator 
Grady had known no fear. If he believed he was 
right he did not stop to consider possible conse- 
quences to himself, but dashed into the thickest of 
the fray. He was one of the few men whom his 
friends adored and his enemies loved. 

The passing of Senator Grady is more than a 
loss to his personal friends and it is more than a loss 
to the party he served so long and so well. It is a 
very distinct loss to the city of New York, of which 
he was so distinguished a citizen, and it is an equal 
loss to the State of New York. Senator Grady was 
one of the ablest parliamentarians who ever sat in 
either branch of the New York Legislature, and his 
ability to grasp and meet any situation which might 
arise, in connection with his singular ability in debate, 
made him one of the most efficient champions of 
any political party ever sent to the Legislature. He 
was a man of rare attainment, of rare disposition and 
of rare personal charm and worth. — Albany ArgiLS, 

A man of firm courage of conviction has passed 
from the activities of life. A genius of old-style ora- 
tory; a master of political and legislative imple- 

71 



Hn noemoriam 

ments; keen, witty, gracious, independent, unselfish, 
big-hearted, a leader of men in his party, an idol of 
his friends. Senator Thomas Francis Grady stepped 
from his position in legislative and political circles 
into the dim mists of the unknown with the same 
courage that had distinguished his rise nearly four 
decades since. He leaves a void in the minds and 
hearts of his friends. His departure silences the criti- 
cism of many tongues. There was only one lov- 
able, loyal, brilliant Grady, and there will never live 
another like him. — Albany Knickerbocker Press. 

With the delightful melody of his oratory as 
fresh in our memory as though we heard it a moment 
ago; with his attractive personality so deeply im- 
pressed upon our minds that every thought of him 
suggests another of the characteristics which made 
him such a big man and such a lovable man, we 
can scarcely bring ourselves to believe that Senator 
Thomas Francis Grady is dead. 

To those of us who knew him so well and loved 
him so much the task of recording this sad news is 
hard indeed. To pay fitting tribute to the memory 
of a man whose eulogies of his own friends who have 
gone are lasting memories of his brilliant mind and 
silver tongue, is beyond the power of those who 
realize that there is still so much more to be said for 
Senator Grady after the kindest sentiment has been 
offered up to his memory. A big man full of human 

72 



^bomas ffrands 6rat)i? 

nature and the most affectionate sympathy for his 
fellow beings; a man whose brain was so conspic- 
uously capable that it grasped all situations with 
instant ease ; a man whose ability in public life was 
so many degrees beyond ordinary, that it contin- 
uously commanded public attention, and still for all, 
a humble man, a modest man and the sharpest and 
wittiest parUamentarian the Legislature ever had. 
We could ill afford to say farewell to him. 

His services to the democracy of the State and 
nation were always valuable. His friends were not 
limited to political lines. He wept when his old 
friend, John Raines, so many years his associate on 
the floor of the Senate, passed away. Though the 
leaders of opposing political parties these men loved 
each other and it was the same feeling every man 
**on the other side of the House" had for Senator 
Grady during all the years of his life at the Capitol, 
while men of his own political faith looked upon him 
as a commanding influence in the party councils 
whose superior judgment could always be depended 
upon. — A Ibany Times- Union. 

For thirty years Senator Grady's name has been 
on the tongues of the people. And now he is gone. 
His voice will never be heard again in the Senate 
Chamber where he fought so many battles for his 
party. His spirit is in the silent halls of death. On 
earth there is left of him but the fleshly tenement. 

73 



Un nDemortam 

The intense humanity of this man made a deep 
impression on his time and environment. His emo- 
tions were those of his race. He loved, he hated, he 
had many stormy days. A personahty such as his 
can not easily be forgotten. And the remembrance 
of him will be kindly. — Amsterdam Record. 

The charm of personality is wealth in itself. The 
death of a State Senator, Mr. Grady, brings many 
comments as to his political career which we do not 
here discuss. But in all published and spoken com- 
ments, the uniform attention paid to the man in his 
social, personal association with other men, com- 
mending his attractiveness, are worthy of note. 

To be " liked " by one's fellows, or '' disUked," 
is too often dismissed by young men, with an " I 
don't care." Yet one should care! It is worthy of 
study just why a man is a favorite among his fellows 
— why other men gladly meet him, how he creates 
the favorable impression, and especially how he re- 
tains it and has a fair fame for it. It is not enough 
to say, lightly, that we know how. Without a doubt 
most men do not know how. Many may think they 
know how. But they do not, then, practise what 
they know. 

To be cheerful and easy of approach, to have an 
open ear for the other fellow's troubles, and a close 
mouth for one's own troubles; to be a loyal friend, 
ready for sacrifice and famed as a trustworthy con- 

74 



ZTbomae francis (Bra^p 

fidant; to acknowledge the human tie and be swift 
to take the charitable view, slow to judge ; to be able 
quickly and readily to get out of one's own self and 
into another's self as you meet him ; to hold personal 
honor, with another, higher than any written bond ; 
to speak the plain truth if one speaks at all — all 
these things seem patent enough. 

Yet there is something more. It eludes all de- 
scription. It is a quality that has been known and 
frankly acknowledged through all the ages. Both 
men and women have it — here and there one. This 
personal charm that we can not define is such a thing 
of power that in selecting agents of our errands, we 
seek it. The lack of it will mean defeat. For it 
we pay a high price. To him who possesses it, we 
extend an indulgence that we even withhold from 
intellect, and for the sake of it we overlook a thousand 
faults which should give us pause. 

All of which at least goes to show that a young 
man is very blind who thinks he does not care 
whether other people generally like or dislike him.— 
New York Evening Mail. 

The funeral of Thomas Francis Grady which 
takes place today in New York is attended by hun- 
dreds of men who still are or were active in the politi- 
cal life of the State of New York. They will go to 
his bier to record their respect for the marvelous 
brain and for the human nature of the dead Senator. 

75 



Hn flDemoriam 

No man was more facile ; no man was more human 
in the public life of this State since in the late seven- 
ties Mr. Grady began his long and remarkable career. 
He loved and was loved. He did not represent a 
system, as some maliciously have said since his death. 
He was above and beyond any system. He may 
have given to a system that had much of demerit in 
it a bright and attractive color and a distinction 
which it did not deserve. He was a foe to hypo- 
crites, especially to that kind of hypocrite who takes 
political support before election and derides or ignores 
it afterward. The Senate of the State of New York 
has in the last twenty-five years seen many men of 
great ability and real statesmanship. With the death 
of Senator Grady the last of the old regime is gone. 
It remains for the future to tell whether the upper 
branch of the New York State Legislature will pro- 
duce men of the same quality which made that body 
interesting and distinguished in the past. — Albany 
Journal. 



76 



Senator XTbomas jF. (5rab^ 

(An Appreciation by John M. Quinn) 

Few, if any, of the newspaper comments upon 
the career of Thomas F. Grady, whose death removed 
from the pohtical field its most interesting figure, do 
even the most meager justice to the memory of the 
departed orator and legislator. The tendency to mini- 
mize his strength of mind and heart does small credit 
to those who have made him the subject of obituary 
notice. 

Taken all in all, Thomas F. Grady was one of 
the most remarkable men that ever played a part in 
the public affairs of New York. Gifted as few men 
have been he was a constant source of delight to his 
audiences, and it was not strange that his friends and 
associates loved him deeply. 

That he was to be feared as an antagonist was 
amply demonstrated on occasions innumerable. The 
organization, which he represented with a loyalty as 
intense as it was unwavering, will never know the true 
value of his services. In fact, he performed his orator- 
ical and controversial feats with such apparent ease that 
the beneficiaries of his brilliant efforts rarely stopped 
to consider the tremendous advantage of being able 
to rely upon so able and effective a champion. 

To the close observer and analjrtical student 
Senator Grady was a source of constant and ever 

77 



Un flDemoriam 

increasing surprise. Flashes of wit, lightning-like 
retort, bubbling humor and stirring eloquence 
crowded his rostrum performances so full of enter- 
taining illustration and persuasive appeal that the 
average mind grasped only the result, yet the won- 
der of it all was in the marvelous mental kaleido- 
scope which carried the enraptured audience through 
ever changing scenes and happy surprises to the goal 
toward which the welfare of the orator's cause im- 
pelled him. 

Senator Grady held a place of eminence among 
the nation's orators, but his absolute supremacy was 
displayed beyond the possibility of denial in the Sen- 
ate Chamber at Albany. There he was without a 
rival or a peer. No one who ever heard him in legis- 
lative conflict can forget the brilliancy with which he 
rex)elled attack or the ease and graceful dignity with 
which he drove his adversaries in confusion from the 
field. He stood alone upon the serene heights of 
unquestioned superiority, the ever ready master of 
debate. 

Senator Grady's memory is safe in the keeping 
of the people of New York, who, recalling the prodi- 
gality with which he contributed to their entertain- 
ment, realize that they were and are his debtors. 

He will be missed. Oh, how he will be missed 
by those who in each succeeding campaign wel- 
comed the strife for the pleasure of seeing and hear- 
ing him on the rostrum. To those who shared with 

78 



TOoma0 yranci0 (5rab^ 

him the labor of campaigning, his loss will be felt as 
that of a brother who was a leader and a constant 
source of instruction and inspiration. 

Though brave, aggressive and formidable in 
political attack, his nature was as gentle as a child's. 
Quick to right a wrong, ever considerate of the feel- 
ings of others, with a heart whose every throb was 
in sympathy with humanity, Thomas F. Grady was 
loved by men of every grade and class. His sympa- 
thies were ever with the poor, the helpless and the 
unfortunate, and this fact alone constitutes an endur- 
ing monument to his memory. 

His fame is secure. In vain we scan the hori- 
zon for one who can fill the void, which remains 
an eloquent and pathetic reminder that the scenes of 
earth can know his kindly face no more. — John M. 
Quinn in the New York Tammany Times. 



79 



flDessaoes of Con&olcnce 

(The following were among the messages of condolence received by 
Miss Margaret M. Grady, sister of the late Senator Grady) 

**Have just learned with great sorrow of the 
death of your brother. Please accept my heartfelt 
sympathy. Senator Grady's services to the State will 
give him a high and permanent place on the roll of her 
distinguished citizens." — John A. Uix, Governor. 

'* Only my serious illness will prevent me from 
showing my respect for him and my sympathy for 
you by attending his funeral, as I would wish to do 
as my oldest and dearest friend of all St. Stephens. I 
shall forever pray for him and for all his family. ' ' — 
Charles H. Colt on. Bishop of Buffalo . 

* ' I can not tell you how much I deplore your 
brother's death. The State has lost from its service 
one whose knowledge and experience were of tremen- 
dous value, the Senate one whom every member 
loved as a brother, and I the kindest and best of 
friends." — Edgar T. Brackett. 

' ' The death of your distinguished brother is a 
great shock to me. In his death the State loses 
one of its most conspicuous and able citizens and 
the Democratic party loses one of its most brilliant 
exponents. I personally feel that in his death I have 
lost a friend." — Norman E. Mack. 

80 



^bamae ffrancis (5rat)^ 

" I learned with profound sorrow of the death 
of your estimable and distinguished brother. Please 
accept my heartfelt condolence and sympathy." — 
Charles F. Murphy, 

' ' Mrs. Roosevelt and I send you our very deep- 
est sympathy. ' ' — Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

* ' My association with Senator Grady during 
many years of official life together was of such a 
character that I feel I have lost a dear and valued 
friend. He was always so considerate, and all who 
knew him will miss him as few associates are missed. ' ' 

— Timothy L. Woodruff. 

* ' The Senate has lost its ablest and best loved 
member, and every man in it has lost a friend." — 
Henry M. Sage. 

' * 1 deeply regret to hear of the death of Sena- 
tor Grady. In his life I with many others only knew 
him to respect him. His loss will be deeply felt by 
his host of friends. ' ' — Benjamin B. Odell, Jr. 

'* During my service in the Senate I learned to 
know Tom as you knew him, always a big brother." 

— Martin Saxe. 

' ' Intimate association with your distinguished 
and great-hearted brother awakened in me an affec- 
tion I have felt for few men, and his death robs me of 
one whose place no one can fill." — N. U. Stranahan. 

81 



II n nDemoriam 



(( 



I deeply regretted to learn of the death of 
your distinguished brother, Senator Thomas F. 
Grady, whom I had known for many years and for 
whom I always had the very highest regard. Please 
accept my sincere sympathy and the assurance of my 
prayers for the happy repose of his soul." — John, 
Cardinal I^ar ley, Archbishop of New York. 

" In my service in the Senate I came to know 
your brother well. He was a wonderfully gifted 
man in every way. He knew the science of govern- 
ment as few knew it. His memory was unequaUed. 
His command of the English language is rarely sur- 
passed. His knowledge of legislation was second to 
none; but above and beyond this I shall remember 
him always and best for his loving heart, his sweet 
disposition, his unfailing thoughtfulness of the pleas- 
ure, the comfort and the rights of others. While 
we were politically opposed, personally he was my 
good friend. Association with him will ever remain 
one of the most pleasant recollections of my mem- 
bership in the Senate. With you I will miss his 
cheering presence and his loving kindness. You 
have my sincere sympathy in your sorrow." — 
Harvey D. Hinman. 

" The Legislative Correspondents' Association, 
comprising reporters at the State Capitol, conveys to 
you the deepest sympathy in the death of your dis- 
tinguished brother." — Frank A. Tierney, Secretary. 

82 



ttbomas jftancie 6ra^^ 

*' Sincerest sympathy. Deeply regret to hear 
of the death of my dear friend, the Senator." — 
Richard Croker. 

** Just returned to town. 1 am distressed and 
in the depth of sorrow over the Senator's death. I 
had for him the affection of a lifetime. My keenest 
sympathy for you." — Edward G. Griggs. 

** Allow me to express my heartfelt sorrow and 
tender sympathy. " — Horace D. WTiite. 

' ' Accept my heartfelt expression of sympathy. 
Your brother was brave and loyal. He made thou- 
sands happy and many are sorrowing with you." — 
Abraham Gruber. 

'* I wish to express my deepest sorrow at the 
death of Senator Grady and to extend to you my 
sincerest sympathy." — Thomas F. Conway, Lieuten- 
ant Governor. 

Practically every State Senator sent condolenceis, 
and words of sympathy were also received from many 
men of note, and a host of loyal friends. 



83 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 112 608 8 



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